Extensive use of antibiotics in commercial chicken farms in Bangladesh

What is it about?

In Bangladesh, commercial chicken production is greatly expanding to meet the rising demand for meat and eggs for human consumption. Antimicrobials are frequently used as therapeutic and prophylactic drugs in commercial chicken production systems.

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Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans, poultry, fish, and livestock has contributed to AMR emergence. Our study findings show that the use of antibiotics in commercial chicken production was extensive in Bangladesh. The proportion of farms, irrespective of their production types, reporting usage of antibiotics in the 24 hours preceding the interview was 41%. Forty-five percent reported antibiotic usage in the last 72 hours, 86% in the last 14 days, and 98% farms had used antibiotics since the start of their production cycle. Use of antibiotics was more frequently reported in broiler and Sonali than layer farms. Oxytetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin were the most frequently used antibiotics. Antibiotics were reported to be used for both treatment and prophylactic purposes on most farms. Usage of antibiotics was significantly associated with the occurrence of any illnesses in chickens. Antibiotic usage was mainly advised by veterinary practitioners and feed dealers.

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